Bus

Calif. agency set for BRT line launch

San Bernardino, Calif.-based Omnitrans celebrated the completion of the sbX bus rapid transit (BRT) line at a pep rally ceremony adjacent to the line’s civic center station. The new 16-mile BRT line begins passenger service on Monday, offering free rides through May 2.

The sbX Green Line includes over five miles of dedicated lanes, 16 station locations, and four park-and-ride lots. It serves major activity centers, including two hospitals, two universities, numerous trade schools, city and county government centers, and employment centers, along with major shopping, hospitality and entertainment venues.

The 14 articulated vehicles manufactured by New Flyer for the sbX line are the first five-door, compressed natural gas powered, 60-footers ever built.

sbX vehicle delivers riders to a pep rally celebrating the completion of the Omnitrans new bus rapid transit line.

The BRT line utilizes traffic signal prioritization so sbX vehicles can advance through busy intersections. Dedicated station platforms offer real-time arrival displays, ticket vending machines, emergency telephones, customer call boxes and public art. To enhance security, the multiple video cameras at each station are monitored 24/7.

The Omnitrans sbX launch is the culmination of more than 10 years of planning, design, construction and system testing. Parsons Transportation Group helped initiate the project in 2004, taking it from alternatives analysis through final design. Jacobs Engineering handled construction management and related activities.

Project partners included Omnitrans, U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA), San Bernardino Associated Governments, the City of San Bernardino and the City of Loma Linda.

Of the total $191.7 million project budget, 96% came from federal, state and county funds designated for transit projects, including $75 million from the FTA Small Starts Program. The project includes three elements: vehicle purchase, corridor construction and vehicle maintenance facility upgrades.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.